YouTube Shorts are taking over today’s social media.
The music that plays there is creating a big buzz, especially among young people.
A wide variety of songs gain attention on short videos, but in this article we’re focusing on J-pop with a “kawaii” theme—irresistibly cute tracks that capture your heart! We’ll introduce plenty of adorable songs that are hugely popular on YouTube Shorts, including the latest tracks that are trending right now and revival hits making a comeback.
Get ready for a lineup of irresistibly charming tunes you’ll want to play over and over again!
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[2026] A Compilation of Popular and Recommended Cute Songs for YouTube Shorts (1–10)
Nice.NEW!CUTIE STREET

This pop tune by CUTIE STREET has been chosen as the CM song for Lotte’s first new ice cream brand in ten years, “Falling in Love with Asia.” Written and composed by Enon Kawatani, the track was released in March 2026.
Its exotically tinged sound, evocative of Asian sweets, pairs perfectly with its cute charm.
The choreography featured in the commercial—mimicking eating ice cream with a spoon—has also become a talking point for its adorableness.
It’s recommended for a lazy afternoon or whenever you want a brief escape from the everyday to refresh yourself.
The irresistibly catchy melody is sure to lift your spirits and have you humming along.
At first, my heart skipped a beat!NEW!Nakajima Kento

Kento Nakajima, who shines with multifaceted charm as a solo artist.
Featured as a bonus track on his album “IDOL1ST,” released in February 2026, this song is a catchy pop tune that vividly expresses his own image of an idol.
The wordplay that likens games like rock-paper-scissors and “Acchi Muite Hoi” to the push-and-pull of romance is brilliant.
With easy-to-copy choreography and hooky phrases, it’s perfect for getting hyped with friends in short videos and the like.
Written and composed by Nakajima himself, it’s a sparkling new idol song for the Reiwa era that’s sure to make your heart skip a beat.
Meet KiTE!iLiFE!


This is an ultra-cute self-introduction song by iLiFE!, who’ve been drawing attention with the hit “Idol Life Starter Pack,” singing their heartfelt wish for fans to “come see us.” What makes it especially unique is how the lyrics include parts where the members’ names are called and classic live call-and-response chants just as they are.
It perfectly expresses their concept of creating live shows together with their fans.
The track is included on the album “iLiFE Starter Pack,” released in January 2023, a standout record that reached No.
7 on the Oricon Weekly Album Ranking.
It’s a dance number that fires up hot live shows—you can practically picture the audience waving penlights and shouting calls.
Beep boopFRUITS ZIPPER


FRUITS ZIPPER, whose “My Cutest Part” made a splash on social media and earned them the Best New Artist Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards, released this track in August 2025.
It’s a pop tune with a charmingly comedic, ever-changing progression.
Riding on synth-like sounds, the constantly shifting vibe keeps listeners engaged from start to finish.
The song also features plenty of call-and-response sections that bring fans and performers together.
When it premiered at their Saitama Super Arena show in August 2025, the entire venue erupted in cheers, and the excitement was so high that they performed it again during the encore.
With adorable, easy-to-follow choreography, it’s a perfect fit for YouTube Shorts dance videos.
Cannot stop the queueCUTIE STREET


CUTIE STREET, who have taken the scene by storm with their striking “KAWAII,” saw their debut single “Is Being Cute Not Enough?” surpass 5 billion total views on TikTok.
A track that symbolizes their momentum was released in May 2025.
It’s a high-tension pop tune that expresses raw emotions charging ahead with the accelerator floored, and the Heisei-gal-inspired styling in the music video, along with the deadpan para-para dancing, has been blowing up on YouTube Shorts as well.
The lyrics playfully weave in “Daruma-san ga koronda,” while overflowing with a positivity that keeps running forward without a brake, eyes fixed only ahead.
This song serves as the title track of the CD “We Can’t Stop the Q! / Planet Make-Up Plan,” released in July of the same year.
It’s a perfect fit as BGM for short videos that boost your mood!
Love♡Scream!AiScReam


It made a big splash on YouTube Shorts and is an irresistibly cute number that lets you take in an overwhelming dose of “kawaii.” The song likens a girl’s feelings as she falls head over heels in love to meltingly sweet ice cream.
Riding on a pop sound, it delivers that urge-to-shout emotion—wanting to know more about the person you like and to become more than friends.
Released in January 2025 as the debut single of AiScReam, a unit born from a radio show, it reached No.
7 on the Oricon weekly chart, a testament to its popularity.
It’s an exceptionally sweet track that lifts your mood just by listening.
No reply yet, kana? Old-man texting style! (feat. Amai)Yoshimoto ojisan

The online buzz around “ojisan syntax” has been turned into an unexpectedly cute song by Yoshimoto Ojisan, a Vocaloid producer and comedian.
Released in June 2025, the track has hooked tons of listeners thanks to YouTube Shorts.
It comically and adorably portrays the feelings of a girl bewildered by someone who sends her those uniquely awkward messages.
The slyly funny lyrics and the vocals of virtual singer Amai combine to create an irresistible, addictive vibe.
With its catchy digital pop sound, it’s the kind of song you’ll find yourself replaying over and over.
It blew up on social media right after release and debuted at No.
2 on Billboard JAPAN’s Heatseekers Songs chart.
It’s a track that makes you chuckle yet somehow feels bittersweet—perfect for hyping things up with friends.
Use it in a short video and you’re guaranteed to get attention!

![[2026] A Collection of Popular and Recommended Cute Songs for YouTube Shorts](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/9Lt5ngpMj7I/maxresdefault.webp)
